Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement from Kuwait City, Kuwait. Graham was meeting with U.S. Ambassador Paul Bremmer of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad when a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations Headquarters. “The people who were murdered today lost their lives trying to make the world a better place. The best way to honor their memory is to press on and complete their work. The greatest danger is to allow terrorist organizations to stop efforts to bring freedom and democracy to this troubled land. “We are being measured by the forces of evil and they are asking, ‘Will America keep spending money and are they willing to risk lives?’ The answer, in my opinion, has to be yes. “The young men and women serving throughout this region make me proud to be an American and I have great confidence in their abilities. We should all keep them in our prayers. We must also continue to press on to see the job through.” #####

Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Bull Swamp Rural Water Company in North has been awarded a $1.32 million grant and will receive a $1.65 million loan for infrastructure upgrades. The funds will be used to construct a new 250,000 elevated storage tank to assist in increasing pressure. Additionally, the funds will pay for the extension of several water lines, as well as two connections of the existing lines to relieve low pressure and provide for reasonable growth. “These improvements will not only enable Bull Swamp to better serve its existing customers, but also will increase the attractiveness of the area for future economic development,” said Graham. The grant and loan have been awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced Marlboro Electric Cooperative in Bennettsville and York Cooperative, Inc. in York received a combined total of $30 million in loans today. The loans will assist them in their efforts to serve new customers, add new distribution lines, and make improvements to their systems. Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc. The utility, which services Dillon and Marlboro counties, has been approved for a $12 million U.S. Treasury rate loan. The loan, which is to be paid back over the next 35 years, will allow the utility to serve 1,280 new customers, construct 141 miles of new distribution lines, and make other system improvements. York Cooperative, Inc. The utility, which services Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster, and York counties, has been approved for an $18 million U.S. Treasury rate loan. The loan, to be paid back over the 30 years, will allow the utility to serve 1,720 new customers, construct 102 miles of new distribution lines, and make other system improvements. “The energy needs of our state and nation continue to grow,” said Graham. “It’s important our utilities have the necessary infrastructure in place to ensure we meet our future energy needs.” The loans were made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. #####

Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Glenn Springs-Pauline Rural Fire District has been awarded a $23,166 grant for fire operations and firefighter safety. The funds will be used to improve training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####